Where to Stay in Vienna

EuropeHotelsAustria
Written By Jessica Bergin

If you’re travelling to Austria’s Imperial Capital, here’s everything you need to know about where to stay in Vienna.

Tucked in the eastern end of Austria, Vienna is steeped deep with artistic flair and musical history. From the grandiose palaces and awe-inspiring architecture to the opulent opera houses and multitude of museums, falling in love with the city is easy.

Located along the Danube River, Vienna’s legacy has been shaped by famous residents like Mozart and Beethoven. This part of Austria is arrayed with a whopping number of attractions, and figuring out where to stay in Vienna can pose quite a challenge.

The city is well spread out and most attractions are well-connected by subway and public transport. Vienna is home to 23 districts and each of them serves its own culture, history and flair. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the best areas to stay, the best time to visit and how to get around. So, let’s get to it!

10 Best Areas to Stay in Vienna

Vienna is known for its iconic Imperial palaces and MuseumsQuartier district. Fringed with a fascinating symphony of culture, history and all-round elegance, there’s no doubt you’ll fall head over heels.

Whether you want to listen to classical music performances or soak up the charming coffeehouse culture, this part of Europe will have you crawling back for more.

If you’re planning a trip to Central Europe, why not combine a stay in Vienna with an epic 3-week Europe itinerary? You’ll venture into the heart of Austria and combine your 21 days with plenty of fine art and fairytale-like forays. Plus, you’ll discover top travel destinations near Austria.

Here’s a quick summary of the best places to stay in Vienna, Austria:

vienna austria day trip from budapest

  • City Centre (Innere Stadt)

  • Rossau (Roßau)

  • Wieden

  • Karmeliterviertel

  • Leopoldstadt

  • Landstrasse (Landstraße)

  • Neubau

  • Vienna Airport

  • Mariahilf

  • Josefstadt

 

City Centre (Innere Stadt)

Let’s kick off this guide with where to stay in Vienna for first-time visitors.

The city centre, locally known as Innere Stadt, is an obvious choice for many. Especially if you only have one or two days in Vienna. The area is arrayed with old imperial buildings, grandiose palaces and must-see museums.

Highlights in Vienna’s city centre include the Hofburg Palace, Albertina Museum, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Grabem, and Stephansplatz Square. Spend your days sightseeing at the top attractions and enjoy the convenience of having your accommodation close by.

After exploring all the castles, churches and museums, you can mix up your time in the shopping avenues or renowned restaurants. If you’re keen to catch a musical performance, book a show at one of the historic theatres or concert halls.

Innere Stadt is the busiest part of town, but it’s definitely the place where you’ll find the most variety. This area is well-connected with public transport, so it’s also ideal if you plan on taking any day trips from Vienna.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Vienna at Christmas, the city centre is the best bet. The Christmas Markets and decorations fill the city with a winter wonderland cheer and make for many memorable experiences.

It’s no secret that Innere Stadt is one of the best places to stay in Vienna in December. The Christmas Markets reel in lots of tourists from all over the world, so be sure to book your accommodation and activities ahead of time.

Attractions Near Innere Stadt

  • Hofburg Complex (Imperial apartments, Sisi Museum, National Library, Spanish Riding School)

  • Natural History Museum

  • Rathaus (City Hall)

  • St. Stephen’s Cathedral

  • Albertina Museum

  • Vienna State Opera

  • Musikverein

  • Art Museum

Best Places to Stay in Vienna Innere Stadt

Rossau (Roßau)

If you want to know where to stay in Vienna on a budget, Rossau is a top choice for many.

This neighbourhood in Vienna is located just northwest of the city centre and it’s a lot quieter than you’d expect. You can reach the Innere Stadt in just a short 15-minute stroll.

Home to a huge haul of cheap eats, thanks to the nearby university, you can taste traditional cuisine without spending a fortune. Rossau has plenty of good cafés here, so be sure to fuel up before a big day of sightseeing.

Highlights in this area include the Freud Museum, the red-brick Rossauer Barracks and the headquarters of Austria’s Ministry of Defense.

Best Places to Stay in Rossau (Roßau)

Wieden

Next up, Wieden. Sitting just south of the city centre, this neighbourhood in Vienna is home to the famous Naschmarkt, an outdoor market and food hall.

If you want to know where to stay in Vienna, Austria for nightlife, this is the best district. Wieden has plenty of buzzing bars, pubs and nightclubs. So it’s easy to find the right fit for you.

Woven with a big student community, the area is also well-known for its restaurants, fashion boutiques and charming vintage stores. The Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) is located on the northern edge of the district, while the Belvedere Palace sits on the eastern end.

Wieden is situated close to the city centre and it’s easy to catch the subway to other parts of Vienna.

Best Places to Stay in Wieden

Karmeliterviertel

Situated across the river, Karmeliterviertel is a quiet residential area in Vienna.

Nestled in the north of the city centre, this is definitely a place that’s not frequented often by tourists. There aren’t many attractions around here, so it’s definitely an ideal stay if you’re looking to escape the crowds.

Karmeliterviertel is connected by public transport, meaning it’s easy to make your way around. Plus, a walk to the city centre only takes 15 minutes. If you’re wondering about where to stay in Vienna with a family, this district is a tranquil option.

Best Places to Stay in Karmeliterviertel

Leopoldstadt

Leopoldstadt is another great place to stay in Vienna with a family. This central location is home to the famous Wiener Prater fairground and Ferris wheel.

Leopoldstadt is fairly central and offers a wide range of accommodation in Vienna. The added bonus is that you can ditch the crowds of tourists that typically opt for the 1st District.

If you’re on the hunt for cheap hotels in Vienna, this area offers a convenient location and lots of access to public transport.

Connected on the east to downtown Vienna, you can spend your time at fun attractions like the Prater Theme Park or the Madame Tussaud’s Museum.

Escape the city buzz and get a dose of greenery in Augarten, a lush park where you can enjoy the weather in the warmer months. Another highlight of staying in this area is Karmelitermarkt. Come here to find fresh food and local goods or soak up the area’s rich Jewish history.

Best Places to Stay in Leopoldstadt

Landstrasse (Landstraße)

Landstrasse, the 3rd district, is a spacious district that’s well-known for its variety. You’ll find a mix of high-end restaurants and hotels, as well as the lavish Baroque Belvedere Palace.

The Palace is surrounded by verdant parks and lush greenery, making it an ideal hang-out spot in the summer months. Landstrasse also has a more laid-back and residential side that’s a popular choice for families.

This neighbourhood in Vienna is very walkable and has a local vibe. You can definitely get the feel for its authenticity through the markets and bakeries.

If you want to know where to stay in Vienna for the first time, this is a great alternative to the busier tourist areas. Landstrasse is centrally located and has a direct connection to the airport through the Wien Mitte transport hub.

Attractions Near Landstrasse

  • Belvedere Palace

  • Karlskirche

  • Hundertwasser Haus

  • Stadtpark

Best Places to Stay in Landstrasse (Landstraße)

Neubau

Neubau is known for its trendy bars, hip atmosphere and art galleries. Also referred to as the MuseumsQuartier, the 7th district reels in a younger crowd of travellers and locals.

If you want to know where to stay in Vienna, Austria, for nightlife and a social atmosphere, Neubau is the best option. Sip coffee in the elegant coffee houses, taste the flavours in the fusion restaurants and let loose in the underground nightlife scene.

The Neubau neighbourhood is home to plenty of shops with handcrafted gifts and treasures. Whether you’re a foodie, nightlife fanatic or vintage lover, you won’t be disappointed here.

Zollergasse, Kirchengasse, and Lindengasse are the best places to find great vegetarian and vegan eateries.

Attractions Near Neubau

  • MuseumsQuartier (Leopold Museum, MUMOK, Kunsthalle, Zoom Kinder Museum)

  • Mariahilfer Straße

  • Spittelberg Quartier

  • Volksteather

  • Art History Museum

  • Natural History Museum

Best Places to Stay in Neubau

Vienna Airport

If you’re arriving late at night or have an early departure, staying near Vienna Airport is a great time-saving option.

This is one of the best places to stay in Vienna for a quick departure, hands down. The Vienna International Airport is situated in Schwechat and the CAT train journey takes about 20 minutes. Plus, it only costs €15 euro for a one-way ticket. Boo yeah!

Best Places to Stay in Vienna Airport

Mariahilf

If you want a local experience in Vienna, don’t look past Mariahilf, also known as the Sixth District. This place is ideal for first-time visitors and is renowned for its iconic shopping street, Mariahilfer Strasse.

This lively area is filled with trendy stores and cultural hot spots. Get immersed in the local scene, shop at the boutiques and get your daily caffeine fix in the cafes.

Boasting a central location and close proximity to major attractions, Mariahilf is one of the best places to stay in Vienna, Austria. If you don’t want to stay near all the big tourist crowds, this is a quieter spot to consider.

Best Places to Stay in Mariahilf

Josefstadt

Last but not least, Josefstadt. This neighbourhood, also known as the 8th District, is nestled in the beating heart of Vienna.

Josefstadt is a charming residential area that hones in on a more quieter, local experience. Home to small theatres, cute boutique shops and cafes, you can really immerse yourself in Vienna’s cultural roots.

The neighbourhood is well-connected to the city centre, offering convenience at a fraction of the cost. If you want to know where to stay in Vienna, Austria, for a low-key, tranquil experience, you can’t go wrong with Josefstadt.

Best Places to Stay in Josefstadt

 

Central Europe Itinerary: 3 Weeks

central europe

Why not combine your time in the best places to stay in Vienna with a 3-week Europe itinerary?

Level up your trip with classical music, awe-inspiring art and enchanting landscapes in Central Europe.

From the Czech Republic’s terracotta-tiled Prague to the rural wonder of the High Tatras, this itinerary will have you entertained for days.

Here’s a quick summary of how you’ll spend three weeks in Central Europe:

  • Day 1-2: Berlin, Germany

  • Day 3: Munich, Germany

  • Day 4-5: Prague, Czech Republic  

  • Day 6-7: Kraków, Poland

  • Day 8-9: Warsaw, Poland

  • Day 10-11: Bratislava, Slovakia

  • Day 12-14: High Tatras, Slovakia

  • Day 15-17: Budapest, Hungary

  • Day 18-21: Vienna, Austria

 
 

Best Time to Visit Vienna

Now that you’ve figured out where to stay in Vienna, Austria, its time to get stuck into the planning process. In general, there’s no wrong time to travel, but the best time to visit Vienna will depend on your preferences, style and travel budget.

Here's a basic breakdown of what to expect in each of the different seasons:

Spring

From April to May, the weather is quite pleasant as temperatures gradually warm up. Cultural highlights include the Easter markets and outdoor concerts. This is a great time to visit if you want to see the gardens bloom and colourful landscapes. Plus, there are fewer tourists compared to the summer season. If you want to enjoy cheaper accommodation and airfares, the spring is an ideal option.

Summer

From June to August, you can expect warm weather and long days. There are plenty of outdoor festivals, concerts and events taking place in Vienna. July and August are the peak tourist months, so expect to pay higher prices for flights, hotels and activities. There are generally a lot more crowds at the major attractions, so be sure to book tickets online and in advance.

Autumn

From September to November, the weather is mainly made up of mild temperatures and crisp mornings. There are plenty of festivities taking place, like wine festivals and music events. Planning a holiday in Vienna at this time offers plenty of opportunities to see the beautiful fall foliage. Plus, you’ll find more affordable prices for accommodation and airfares.

winter in vienna austria

Winter

From December to February, you’ll experience cold weather and snowy conditions.

The biggest highlight is undoubtedly the Christmas markets, New Year's concerts and ice skating.

The festive atmosphere makes the Innere Stadt the best place to stay in Vienna at Christmas.

This time of year is truly magical in Vienna, and it poses a completely different experience to the summer season.

 

Top Things to do in Vienna

Now you know about the best places to stay in Vienna, here are some of the top activities and attractions:

 

How to Get Around Vienna

Now that you know the best places to stay in Vienna, Austria, let’s quickly brush over transportation. Although Vienna is a walkable city, getting around on public transportation is convenient and quick. Here are the most popular modes of transport in Vienna:

Public Transport (Wiener Linien)

One of the quickest ways to get around Vienna is via the subway (U-Bahn). Austria’s capital has five different subway lines (U1 to U4, U6), all of which connect to major attractions and other transportation.

Vienna also boasts an extensive tram network that covers areas that the subway doesn’t reach. If you’re interested in combining sightseeing and history, there are a handful of historical trams that operate in the city too.

Aside from the metro and tram network, buses also run in the city. If you have 1 or 2 days in Vienna, you can opt for a 24-hour or 48-hour transport ticket. Another budget-friendly option is the Vienna City Card, which has unlimited travel on public transport and discounts for attractions.

Lastly, you can also opt to rent a bike in Vienna. Citybike Wien has stations scattered across the city and the first hour is free if you have a Vienna City Card. This is a convenient and eco-friendly way of exploring, but I’d only recommend it for the warmer months.

Walking

Vienna is a very walkable city and there are many top attractions located in the city centre. Walking is an ideal way of getting around in the warmer months and it allows you to discover the hidden gems along the way. There are a handful of free walking tours available in the city, which are a great option if you’re interested in learning some of the history.

Car Rental

Renting a car in Vienna is only recommended if you plan on exploring beyond the city centre. The inner city is well-connected with public transport and the majority of attractions are located closely. If you plan on doing a day trip to places like Salzburg, Melk Abbey, Klosterneuburg Abbey or the Schloss Hof House & Gardens, hiring a car is an ideal option.

 

FAQs

How many days do you need in Vienna?

If it’s your first time in Vienna, I’d recommend setting aside three full days to see the top attractions. If you’d like to do a day trip, be sure to plan a 4-day itinerary in Austria.

Is Vienna safe?

Yes, Austria is considered a very safe place for tourists. Vienna has a low crime rate, but it’s important to practice general caution when out on the streets at night.

Where is Vienna's downtown area?

The downtown area in Vienna is in the Innere Stadt, which is commonly known as the 1st District. This is where Stephansplatz and St. Stephen’s Cathedral are. In this downtown area, you can expect to find lots of popular hotels, souvenir shops, old churches and restaurants.

Where to stay in Vienna for nightlife?

Wieden is the best area to stay in Vienna for nightlife. Whether you want to socialise in the bars, drink at the pubs or head out to the nightclubs, you will be very entertained here.

Where to stay in Vienna with kids?

Most of the neighbourhoods in Vienna are suitable for kids, but I’d recommend staying in Leopoldstadt. This district is located near lots of family-friendly attractions, excellent hotels and a handful of subway stations.

Where is the best place to stay in Vienna for the Christmas Markets?

Innere Stadt is the best place to stay in Vienna in December. The inner city boasts all the top activities and winter attractions. You’ll also find the Christmas Market here in the Rathausplatz!

Why Visit Vienna?

Austria’s capital city is crowned with enchanting edifices, rich history and magical music performances aplenty. From the luxurious palaces and gold-fringed opera houses to the myriad must-see museums, the list of things to do in Vienna goes on and on.

Before you jet-set off to Austria, be sure to save this guide on where to stay in Vienna.

Jessica Bergin https://www.jessbergin.com
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